The Newsletter of the Spencerport Central School District Dec./Jan. 2015

The Spencerport Central School District will host an informational meeting on the Urban Suburban Inter-District Transfer program on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Spencerport High School Performing Arts Center, 2707 Spencerport Road.

This public meeting will provide an additional forum to learn more about this program, present follow-up information requested by the Board of Education, and offer a third opportunity for community input.

Superintendent Mike Crumb said, “This meeting will be part of the Board of Education’s continued process to consider our participation in the Urban Suburban program. In the weeks leading up to this meeting, we plan to engage the leaders from U-S and participating districts to obtain their insight into questions raised on best practices, data/research on student performance, the program’s cultural impact to their schools, and revenue/expenses.”

“Lastly, while there may be differing opinions, we also realize the importance of holding this additional meeting to engage community input and encourage a respectful dialogue about the Urban-Suburban program as part of this review.” (continued on p. 2)

Superintendent messageDear community,In this edition of Cornerstone, I hope you find the notice regarding the next scheduled public information meeting on the Urban-Suburban Inter-district Transfer program. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Spencerport High School Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Traveling through our schools and community during the holiday season gave me an opportunity to interact with many families and residents, and while there continues to be discussion around the possibility of participating in the U-S program, the commitment we all share remains in the fact that we all want what we feel is best for community’s children. I am appreciative of this shared focus, as well as our families and residents who take the time to engage in a respectful dialogue – whether it be expressing our similar or differing perspectives.

Certainly as we continue to review this program and consider our participation, feel free to send your feedback to info@spencerportschools.org for possible inclusion as part of community input. In addition, please visit our web site regularly as our intent is to post any new facts and information as part of this review process. (continued on p. 2)

REMINDERThursday, Jan. 15

K-8 Half Day Release

(Grs 9-12: full day session)

Informational meeting

What’s inside• Parent guidelines

for early dismissal

• Spencerport Cares

• Athletic news

• And much more

Urban SuburbanUrban Suburban Informational meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 37 p.m.

Spencerport High School Performing Arts Center

The Cornerstone2

Superintendent messageAlso in this edition, we celebrate the holiday season from around our schools with plenty of photos and inspiring examples of how our students and staff continue to give back to the community. It’s great to see all the volunteer efforts making a difference in Spencerport and beyond.

Speaking of volunteers, there are 41 members now serving on our Facilities Task Force, and they have been working hard toward identifying the future needs of our school district related to maintenance and improvements of our buildings and grounds. An update may be found on page 3. Their invaluable insight - from their perspectives as community, staff, students and administration - will be crucial toward consideration of potential capital projects in May 2015.

The 2015-16 Budget Focus Group also consists of more than 30 district and community volunteers, who provide essential feedback during the budget development process. Our first of six meetings will be held on Jan. 27, at which time we plan to report on our progress so far and forecast any potential impacts to our budget this year. We will certainly keep you updated as this process unfolds in the coming months.

In close, I’d like to take the opportunity to extend my sincerest wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2015. The New Year welcomes us with more dialogue to be had and work to be done, and I am reenergized to partner with our students, parents and community in achieving our mission to educate and inspire our students in preparing them for a global community and college and career readiness.

Michael CrumbSuperintendent

How is the decision made to close school?The decision to close school due to the weather begins at 4:30 a.m., when the superintendent confers with the director of transportation, assistant superintendent of schools, as well as area superintendents.

Road conditions, visibility and wind chill are all factors taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to close or delay the opening of school. The first priority is always determining whether we can transport students safely.

Please find the school closing and early dismissal procedures below, and remember to notify your child’s school if any of your contact information has changed so we can effectively contact you in case of a snow closing or early dismissal.

Ensure you get the callThe season of potential snow days has arrived, and for your convenience, please find a quick overview of how the district communicates school closings or early dismissals due to inclement weather.

Staff and families will first be notified of school closings through the district’s automated phone system, then through our eNews distribution list on our web site. Anyone may sign up to receive these emails at http://www.spencerportschools.org/emailSignup.cfm. In addition, closings and/or cancellations will be announced through the media by 6:30 a.m.

When school is closed or dismissed early, all after-school/evening activities will be canceled, including sports practices/games, student after-school activities, club meetings, continuing education, and community-related events.

Parent guidelines for early dismissalWhen students are dismissed early due to unforeseen situations – weather emergencies, loss of power, etc. – the district provides students with transportation home.

Parents/guardians are asked at the start of every school year to complete (K-5) or update (6-12) the Emergency Closing Data form. This card assists the school in making appropriate arrangements for each child. If you have changes in your contact information during the year, please notify your child’s school with the correct data.

Please be sure your child knows where to go in your neighborhood if a parent or caregiver is not home. In addition, please check with your daycare provider about whether they can receive your child at unexpected times.

The Spencerport Central School District began its consideration of the Urban Suburban Inter-District program in the early fall, primarily based on the district mission to prepare our students for an ever-changing global community. The Urban Suburban program, which has been in place for 50 years in Monroe County, directly supports this mission by providing more diversity and perspectives within our schools. While the main intent for proposing Urban Suburban was not financial, additional benefits include filling available spaces due to declining enrollment; maintaining academic opportunities; and generating revenue.

For more information on the Urban-Suburban program and its consideration in Spencerport, please visit www.spencerportschools.org.

(continued from cover)

Urban Suburban Informational meeting

(continued from cover)

Dec./Jan. 2015 3

Facilities Task Force

Voters approved the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Proposed Capital Project on Dec. 16 by a vote of 607 to 99. The $29.2 million project is the first of its kind for BOCES 2 and will bring significant upgrades to the main campus on Big Ridge Road in Spencerport.

The plan will increase classroom capacity to accommodate growth in enrollment in career and technical education programs and add space for professional development for teachers and administrators from around the region. In addition, there will be extensive electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing improvements to repair and replace infrastructure that is beyond its useful life.

Dozens of Spencerport Central School District students attend BOCES 2 programs at the WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center for classes including automotive technology; baking and culinary arts; carpentry; certified nurse

assisting; computer technology; cosmetology; dental assisting; electrical; heating and air conditioning; plumbing; precision machining and welding. In addition, our district’s teachers and administrators attend many professional development training events on the BOCES 2 campus.

“We’d like to thank the voters and our component districts for their support of this student-focused project,” said Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci. “As we approach our 60th anniversary year, these improvements will position our students for continued success as they pursue college and career readiness.”

The next step for the project is final design and submission to the New York State Education Department for approval in the summer of 2015. Pending state approval, construction is expected to start in the summer of 2016 with completion in 2018.

Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES capital project

Golden AppleWROC TV-8’s Kevin Doran surprised Cosgrove Middle School teacher Julie Fish with a Golden Apple award on Dec. 8. Fish had been nominated by eighth grader, Hadeel Abdelhamid, and the segment will air on Feb. 22.

Pictured, l-r, Principal Ned Dale, Hadeel Abdelhamid, Julie Fish, students Lorraine Schmitt and Aleci Lopez, and Kevin Doran.

approved by voters

UPDATEThe Facilities Task Force (FTF) has been meeting since October to review the needs of our school district related to maintenance and improvements of our buildings and grounds. This work is critical to our Board of Education and Superintendent in making informed decisions for our school district in identifying future needs, prioritizing work, and considering potential capital projects.

The FTF has its final meeting on January 8, when they are expected to finalize a recommendation to be considered for the next capital project. A special thank you to the 41 task force members, representing the community, staff, students, administration and Board of Education.

The Cornerstone4

SPENCERPORT CARES

The Spencerport Central School District and Foodlink have added Friday, Jan. 16, to its list of Mobile Food Pantry distribution dates.

The pantry, which delivers perishable items directly to clients, will distribute food between 5-7 p.m. from the Cosgrove Middle School cafeteria. The Mobile Food Pantry will be held from 5-7 p.m. on:

• Jan. 16• Feb. 10• March 25• June 16

This initiative is a result of students serving on Cosgrove Middle School’s Student Council who brainstormed ideas on how to give back to the community, and more specifically, how to provide to area families the basic necessities for living. There are no geographic or income requirements to qualify to receive the food, however you must be 18 or older to accept the items. If you cannot attend one of the above dates, clients may also send an authorization form with a family representative. This form, along with details about this program, may be found at http://www.spencerportschools.org/community.cfm?subpage=6992

Date added for

Throughout the school year, many of the staff from our district and facilities offices combine efforts to raise funds for a number of local charities. A volunteer committee meets regularly to plan fund raising events, then select how to best donate the proceeds to such organizations as the Aurora House, Ronald McDonald House, Golisano Children’s Hospital and American Cancer Society.

In addition, the Spencerport’s Cartons for Christmas campaign also helps to support families in the Spencerport/Ogden area during the holidays with food and meals. A special thank you to staff member, Eileen Smith, for coordinating this effort each year.

Pictured with a few of the collected cartons, l-r, Superintendent Mike Crumb, staff members Kerry Geedy, Eileen Smith, Kathleen Rodriguez, Debbie Olmsted, and Asst. Superintendent of Schools Dan Milgate.

Mobile Food Pantry

Spencerport musicians selectedto All StateThree Spencerport High School musicians were selected to the New York State School Music Associations’ All State Ensembles.

Senior Celina Kryk was selected to sing alto in the All State Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She has been a member of the Spencerport Concert Choir, Select Treble Choir and played flute in the Concert Band. She is the daughter of Paulette and Steve Kryk.

Catherine Caton, a junior, was selected to play Bb clarinet in the All State Wind Ensemble. She has been a member of the Spencerport Wind Ensemble, playing both the clarinet and harp, and a member of the Woodwind Quintet. In addition, Catherine has been a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and is the daughter of Bonnie and Scott Caton.

Junior Heather Havens was selected to play flute in the All State Symphonic Band. The daughter of Lori and David Havens has been a member of the Spencerport Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the RPYO. In addition to flute, Heather plays piano.

The students were chosen, after thousands of students auditioned last spring at solo and ensemble festivals throughout the state with the winners performing in the All State Ensembles during the (NYSSMA) winter conference held in December.

From left to right: Celina Kryk, Catherine Caton and Heather Havens were selected to the New York State School Music Associations’ All State Ensembles.

Dec./Jan. 2015 5

Recently, the Spencerport Central School District purchased several Lego Mindstorms kits to use as an enrichment opportunity for fourth and fifth graders across the district.

Lego Mindstorms is a programmable robotics construction set that gives students the power to create and command their own Lego robots. The program is done by using “Block Coding” on a computer and then downloaded to the robot itself.

The first group of fifth graders recently completed an engineering unit using the Mindstorms kit. Working in three groups of “NASA engineers,” they created, programmed and tested a new rover that would be launched to the recently discovered planet Tobor-3.

Steve Schultz, enrichment specialist and computer lab teacher at Munn, said, “it was amazing to watch the 21st Century Skills in action as group of students worked through various scenarios”.

One of the first projects required the students to measure to the nearest ¼ inch, have a solid understanding of degrees of a circle and ultimately determine circumference. Through this inquiry-based learning approach they received immediate feedback based on how their robot responded to their programming. This project also allowed students to develop a deeper understanding of math concepts.

The concluding activity required the creation of a clear landing area for future aircraft. To complete this task, they used the color sensor to stay within an area outlined in red. Each group mounted an attachment onto the front of the rover that would use the ultrasonic sensor to discover an obstacle (soda can). Once discovered, the gripper attachment closed around the obstacle and removed it from the landing area.

Lisa McCarthy, director of learning and professional development, had an opportunity to a visit a fourth grade of Lego Mindstorm engineers and commented, “it was impressive to observe students cognitively engaged in an activity that tested their collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking skills. As students tested their rover, they had to work together to determine their areas of deficit, reprogram and redesign before testing their rover again. It was true test of perseverance and tenacity”.

Students apply science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) skills

Caley Mansfield, Lukas Warner, and Evan Stanley.

A fifth grade student from Taylor Elementary School has been awarded with a full, one-week scholarship to attend a summer camp sponsored by the by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The Spencerport Nature Center Committee reviewed multiple student applications and essays, and selected Justin Daum-Lewis for his submission.

“The goal of this opportunity was to support the mission of the Nature Center Committee to promote environmental learning and stewardship,” said Dan Milgate, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and committee co-chair. “Congratulations to Justin for receiving this recognition and for pursuing his interests.”

Hour of CodeDuring the month of December, Spencerport’s 3rd-5th graders participated in the worldwide Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is an introduction to computer science, using video tutorials in a game-like setting to teach students basic computer programming.

scholarship recipient selectedSpencerport Nature Center DEC

Pictured, l-r, Norm Wolfe, volunteer and committee member; Justin and his mom Diane Daum-Lewis; and Marlene Benson, Taylor Elementary School teacher and committee member.

Pictured, Taylor students engage in this new opportunity as part of instructional technology.

To learn more about Lego Mindstorms you can visit the website http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms

The Cornerstone6

Spencerport holds annual

Fall scholar athletes announcedThe Spencerport Central Schools’ Athletic Department has announced that all nine of their fall varsity athletic teams qualified for the NYSPHSAA Team Scholar Athlete Award during the fall 2014 season. In order to qualify, a team must have a team grade point average of 90% or above. Their team grade point averages were:

TEAM GPA COACHGirls Swimming 96.932 Stephanie Hodge Girls Cross Country 95.759 Michelle MarascoBoys Cross County 94.664 Michelle Marasco Boys Volleyball 94.029 Aaron AustinFootball 93.445 John DowdGirls Soccer 93.091 Jamie SchneiderBoys Soccer 92.598 Tom Etsler Girls Tennis 91.483 Linda Pringle Girls Volleyball 91.467 Ed Patt The student-athletes who qualified for this award:

Girls Swimming – Camille Colby, Anna D’Angelo, Nicole Dates, Rachel Ellison, Sydney Federico, Samantha Gionta, Summer Jackel, Emma Kane, Meghan Kettinger, Mia Krolczyk, Alyson Mancuso, Kayla Saladyga, Ava Shortino, Amanda Ventrella, Amber White, Abigail Zembiec

Girls Cross Country – Jordan Amering, Anna DiNella, Remziye Erdogan, Shea Kinsella, Alyssa Libonati, Moriah Martone, Sarah Rappleye, Hannah Weaver

Boys Cross Country – Jacob Hueber, Jeffrey Page, Brett Patmore, Bailey Plummer, Nicholas Spinosa, Spencer Suhr, Cole Viavattene

Boys Volleyball – Andrew Bertino, Sean Clarke, Michael Dinh, Joseph Hueber, John Olmsted, Timothy Olmsted, Joshua Rabidoux, Matthew Schumann, Dakota VanBrederode

Football – Patrick Chapman, Christopher DiGuardi, John Feeney, Maximillian Moran, Anthony Muscatella, Brandon Nitti, Michael Palluconi, Ryan Reding, Mateo Rodriguez, Joseph Romagnolo, Enzo Sacchetti, Jordan Swilley

Girls Soccer – Olivia Coccitto, Isabelle DeStefano, Isabella DiGuardi, Luca Fahmer, Michela Maiola, Jacquelyn Marasco, Kelly Mohan, Carlyn Niver, Sara Roman, Reagan Schlierf, Nicole Simonetti, Rachel Viavattene

Boys Soccer – Michael Caceci, Spenser Doty, Joshua Gillette, Andrew Gionta, Alexander Iacchetta, Tyler MacDonald, Kevin MacMaster, Victor Pascucci, Joseph Riggio, Justin Streicher, Aleksandar Strezoski, Matthew Wood

Girls Tennis – Kaitlyn Cannan, Rachel Lamirande, Taylor Maier, Meghan Nguyen, Nikki Nguyen, Jenna Putt, Amber Riscignolo, Nicolette Ustin, Nina Vargas

Girls Volleyball – Julie Campion, Taylor Goodman, Mary Paoletti, Kaitlin Patt, Kerri Patt, Gina Quattrone, Christa White, Miranda Williamson

ATHLETIC NEWS

Turkey TrotThe four elementary schools each held its annual Turkey Trot in November to bring awareness to student health and fitness. Each grade level ran a set course with prizes and ribbons awarded to participants. Pictured here are Canal View students on Nov. 24.

Congratulations to SHS senior, Caitie Broderick for being selected by the Democrat and Chronicle as the Girls Athlete of the Week for Dec. 12. Caitie is an athlete on the girls varsity basketball team.

Congratulations to Christa White, pictured here, for signing her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. The SHS senior has also been featured as WHEC’s Scholar Athlete of the Week for Dec. 16.

Dec./Jan. 2015 7

SHS students attend county’s

Spencerport High School students in the Service Learning Internship Program attended a special ball on Dec. 10.

The intergenerational ball, sponsored by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau and Office for the Aging, brought area senior citizens and high school seniors together for this interactive event.

Intergenerational Event Specialist, Flo Dorsey, County Executive Maggie Brooks and Executive Director of Youth Services David Michael Barry each specifically recognized our Spencerport students for their outstanding kindness, energy and compassion shown to the senior citizens.

The Spencerport Nature Center continues to grow and expand its outdoor learning opportunities available to both students and community members.

In the fall, 22 members of the Spencerport Girl Scouts Troop 60727 worked with our nature center committee to review, design and approve the placement of an official geocache. (For those that are not familiar with this popular outdoor “real life” treasure hunting experience, you can visit www.geocaching.com for more information.) The goal of this geocache project is to increase the number of visitors and to help Troop 60727 meet one of their badge requirements.

Congratulations to our local girl scouts and good luck to our treasure hunters. The title of this cache is “Scouting for Deer” so be sure to make this one of your finds. Rules and guidelines on geocaching may also be found at the above website.

at the Nature Center

Munn celebrates season withBernabi kindergarteners

More than 30 fourth and fifth grade students from Munn Elementary School’s band and Spirit Club supported the Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing campaign on Dec. 12 at Walmart on Ridge Road. Students played music, rang bells and enjoyed hot cocoa, volunteering their time to support others during this holiday season.

bell-ringing

Kindergarteners at Bernabi Elementary School serenaded an audience of parents, grandparents and family members with holiday songs on Dec. 18.

intergenerational ball

Spencerport Girl Scout Troop 60727 worked on a geocaching project for the SCSD Nature Center.

Treasure Hunting

5 School reopens: full-day5 SSBC 6:30 p.m.7 MSPA 6:45 p.m.8 Taylor PTO 6:30 p.m.9 CMS talent show 7 p.m.9-10 Coach Chow GBB tourney9-10 MCSMA Sr High Solofest, GC HS12 SMA, CMS 7 p.m.13 Board of Education, CV 7 p.m.15 K-8 half day release, grs 9-12 in session15 CMS jazz concert 7:30 p.m.16 6th gr. activity night 6:30-8:30 p.m.16-17 MCSMA Jr High Solofest, Brighton19 MLK Jr Day, no school21 CVA 6:30 p.m.22 6th gr. band/chorus concert23 MSPA Mungo night 6:30 p.m.23 7th/8th gr activity night 6:30-8:30 p.m.23-24 Elem Solofest26-29 Regents exams27 Board of Education, DO 7 p.m.29 BPA 6 p.m.29 Munn Learning Night 6:30-8 p.m.30 Spring sports mixed competition req. deadline

2 SSBC 6:30 p.m.3 Munn roller skating3 Info meeting on Urban Suburban 7 p.m.4 MSPA 6:45 p.m.6 HS 2nd qtr report cards6 CV beginning band concert 6 p.m.7 Evening of Jazz, HS west café 7 p.m.9 HS spring sports sign up, activity period9 SMA, CMS 7 p.m.10 Board of Education, DO 7 p.m.

January 2015

Board of Education:Mr. William Sweeney, President

Ms. Jody Gillette, Vice President

Mr. Gary Bracken

Mr. David Gibbardo

Mr. Jim Oberlin

Ms. Janet Tyler

Mr. Michael Zale

School Board members are elected to three-year terms and serve without pay.

Superintendent of SchoolsMichael Crumb

Editor: Lanette Cypher 349-5104

Design: Lisa Constantine

www.SpencerportSchools.org

©2014 SCSD Public Information Office

Designed and printed at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES

AbbreviationsCV Canal ViewDO District OfficeHS High SchoolMod ModifiedCMS Cosgrove Middle SchoolPAC Performing Arts CenterSMA Spencerport Music AssociationSSBC Spencerport Sports Booster Club

Bernabi BPACanal View CVAMunn MSPATaylor PTO

Parent Teacher Organizations

On Dec. 18, students from the Service Learning Internship Program volunteered to help raise funds for Camp Good Days and Special Times by spending their day playing holiday classics on kazoos, and greeting shoppers.

Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc. was founded over 30 years ago by Gary Mervis to provide a residential camping program for children with cancer from upstate New York. All of the programs and services provided by Camp Good Days are free of charge to the participants. Camp Good Days relies on volunteers for special fundraising events such as the Kazoo Fest to fund activities.

Kazoos for a cause this holiday

Pictured (l-r): Amber Mallory, Felicia Moon, Brianna Wood, Caitie Broderick, Julia Oberlin, Katie Oberlin

February 2015